Minneapolis City Council to explore pedestrian mall at George Floyd Square, upholds veto on labor standards board
The Minneapolis City Council voted to pursue the idea for a pedestrian mall at George Floyd Square on Thursday, while also upholding the veto on the creation of a labor standards board.
“The council’s proposal was so lopsided that business pulled out altogether,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
The board would have been a 15-person panel of employers, employees and policy experts that would oversee minimum wage laws, employee benefits and training.
“It’s clear that the mayor’s proposal, as I read it, cares more about corporations than the mother that works three jobs that is barely staying afloat,” said Jason Chavez, Minneapolis City Council member.
Some members of the council believe workers will be demoralized by this veto.
“This was an opportunity to bring people together,” said Aurin Chowdhury, Minneapolis City Council member.
Mayor Frey stresses the current proposal didn’t balance business and labor interests, but now his goal is to bring everyone together to resume talks.
“I’m hopeful that we can move forward with a balanced labor standards board,” Frey said.
In another development on Thursday, the future of George Floyd Square may look different than originally planned.
RELATED: Minneapolis City Council hears plans for George Floyd Square
“I believe we have one shot to make this right,” Chavez said.
The council voted to pump the brakes on the current design and look at a pedestrian mall there.
“I think it is appropriate for us to pursue that opportunity for George Floyd Square, which is a very special place in the city,” said Katie Cashman, Minneapolis City Council member.
Public Works Director Tim Sexton says construction on the current design was expected to start next year.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty with that pedestrian mall option,” Tim Sexton said. “There may be parallel work but at this time, it’s really difficult to see how we could do both and still begin construction in 2025.”
Several council members expressed concern with the delay.
“It completely disregards thousands of hours of community engagement,” said Andrea Jenkins, Minneapolis City Council member.
“As a city, we need to make a decision to move forward,” said Linea Palmisano, Minneapolis City Council member.
Mayor Frey is intrigued by a pedestrian mall but says he doesn’t support the continued indecision from the council.
“The council continues to kick the can down the road,” Frey said. “The vision could really be incredible, but we have to move forward with it.”
The idea of a pedestrian mall goes back to the climate and infrastructure committee for further discussion. Mayor Frey says this could delay the redesign of George Floyd Square to 2028.